A variety of offenses related to disorderly conduct, such as prostitution, loitering, and other drug-related offenses, are covered by California Penal Code 647. If you have been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Subsections of California Penal Code 647
Because the California Penal Code 647 codifies many offenses, there are various subsets that you should be aware of. These are listed below:
- 647(a): Engaging in solicitation or prostitution
- 647(b): Loitering around or in a public restroom to participate in lewd conduct
- 647(c): Soliciting or arranging to engage in any acts of prostitution
- 647(d): Loitering in or around a school or public place to commit a crime
- 647(e): Loitering in or around a private piece of property with the intent of committing a crime
- 647(f): Being publicly intoxicated
- 647(g): Loitering on or around a public street or highway to solicit a ride, enjoyment, or business
- 647(h): Disorderly conduct while under the influence of drugs
It is crucial to have an experienced CA Penal Code 647 attorney in Los Angeles to help you understand the charges against you. Once we have reviewed your case, we can help to build a strategy so that your suit is resolved in the most beneficial way possible.
Possible Defenses to Penal Code 647 Violations
With the guidance of Penal Code 647 criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, you may decide between several defense strategies together. The specifics of your case will determine the direction your legal defense team chooses to take.
Penal Code 647 is designed to punish behaviors deemed offensive or disruptive to maintain public safety. However, being arrested and even charged with a PC 647 offense does not mean you are guilty. A California disorderly conduct lawyer can provide you with the representation it takes to fight the charges against you.
Some common defenses include the following:
- Lack of intent: If you are charged with disorderly conduct but did not intend to engage in it or interfere with the public way, you could argue that you were not violating the law.
- Unlawful arrest: There must be probable cause to arrest you. If you were arrested without probable cause, any evidence gathered against you would be suppressed.
- Inaccurate chemical tests: If you feel your drug and alcohol test was inaccurate, there may be grounds to challenge it. This could result in the charges against you being dismissed.
- First Amendment Protections: Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, your attorney may argue that you are exercising your right to freedom of speech, therefore protected by the constitution. If the defendant was protesting, this is a possible defense.
A skilled disorderly conduct lawyer will guide you in determining the most potentially successful defense strategy based on your unique case. You can fight the charges against you with proper legal representation and avoid or reduce the penalties.
Penalties Related to a California Penal Code 647 Conviction
A CA PC 647 offense’s penalties will depend on the specific crime and the case circumstances. Most violations are misdemeanors carrying the following potential penalties:
- Fines
- Probation
- Community service
- Up to six months incarcerated in a county jail
The exact penalties do vary, though there are a few examples. A conviction for a 647(a) offense, soliciting or engaging in prostitution, carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 45 days in jail. While a 647(g) offense, loitering to engage in prostitution can result in six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Consult with your Los Angeles disorderly conduct attorney if you have been charged with violating PC 647. Your attorney may be able to plea bargain or pursue an alternate sentence that could be less impactful for your life.
A Conviction Can Be Life-Altering
If you have been convicted of a disorderly conduct charge, it may not seem like a very big deal. But, it is essential that you consider the possible long-term consequences. Consider hiring a disorderly conduct attorney to fight these charges.
Possible Long-Term Impacts of a CA PC 647 Conviction
While a conviction may cost you in fines, legal fees, and even time lost from work to serve a jail sentence, there are other more long-lasting effects of a California Penal Code 647 conviction. A criminal record makes life more difficult.
Below are some of the consequences, aside from legal penalties, that you might experience if you are convicted of a disorderly conduct charge:
- Difficulty obtaining employment
- Problems finding housing
- Loss of educational and scholarship opportunities
- Revocation or suspension of professional licenses
- Difficulty taking out loans or obtaining credit
- Loss of some civil rights like the right to vote or to possess a firearm
- Child custody and visitation issues
- Complications with your immigration status
- And depending on the offense, you might have to register as a sex offender
Do not take a disorderly conduct charge lightly, even if it does not seem like a big deal now. When you are applying for a loan, getting approved for an apartment, or competing for a new job, it can be a dealbreaker. An attorney who specializes in successfully resolving disorderly conduct charges is essential.
How a Disorderly Conduct Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help
By evaluating the evidence of your case, we can determine the strength of the prosecution’s case against you. By identifying the weaknesses and inconsistencies in the evidence, we can develop a strategy tailored to your unique case.
If appropriate, we will challenge the evidence against you. For instance, if it was obtained illegally or if it is unreliable, we may make a motion to suppress or challenge its admissibility in court.
An attorney specializing in California Penal Code 647 violations may be able to negotiate a plea deal for you. This involves you pleading guilty to a lesser charge to be given a more lenient sentence. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we will represent you in court and argue fervently on your behalf.
Reach Out for Help Fighting a California Penal Code 647 Violation
Having a California Penal Code 647 lawyer by your side from arrest to resolution is the best way to ensure that the charges’ impact against you is minimized as possible. Contact one of our experienced disorderly conduct lawyers today for a free consultation.
